Restoration turns fragile!

Barely two years after its inauguration, the revamped Old Habba Kadal Bridge in Srinagar is showing worrying signs of deterioration as the cracks, damaged wooden decking and uneven surfaces on a structure revived under the Smart City heritage project raise uncomfortable questions about workmanship, oversight and accountability. For a project showcased as a symbol of heritage conservation, the bridge’s shabby condition is both disappointing and alarming. The Old Habba Kadal Bridge’s restoration was meant to blend modern safety standards with traditional architectural aesthetics. However, the flaws have emerged so soon after inauguration, thereby undermining the very spirit of sustainable urban renewal that Smart City initiatives claim to champion. Local residents’ concerns deserve serious attention. Beyond the visual decline, the deteriorating surface poses inconvenience to daily users and could escalate into a safety hazard if left unattended. Public infrastructure, especially in high-footfall areas of the old city, must inspire confidence, not caution. When citizens begin to question how recently completed projects fall apart so quickly, it erodes public trust in governance and planning institutions. What is needed now is a thorough technical inspection by independent experts. Responsibility must be clearly fixed on executing agencies and contractors, and corrective measures should be time-bound. Heritage restoration demands specialised skills, continuous maintenance and strict quality control, elements that cannot be compromised for speed or symbolism. The Old Habba Kadal Bridge deserves better than premature decay. Its upkeep is essential for connectivity, safety and the preservation of Srinagar’s cultural identity. If Smart City projects are to truly transform urban spaces, durability and accountability must walk hand in hand with vision and aesthetics.